Cincinnati dining has transcended chili and ice cream – though those are still fantastic. But chef-driven restaurants have put the city on the foodie map, with international influences bringing fresh flavors to the region.

Our intrepid eaters weigh in with the best thing they ate this year, so you can start your “must-try” list for January.

Skillet Cornbread at Nolia Kitchen
– Robin Burrow, Joe Burrow Foundation

Too many to name! With the quantity of amazing restaurants the Cincy region has, I've tried dozens of wonderful dishes and would be impossible to name just one!
–Julie Calvert, Visit Cincy

Too many good dishes to narrow down. Pepp and Dolores, Moerlein Lager House, egg rolls from YouYu, Mitas, everything at Savor
– Megan Coffey, Game Day Communications

Mexi Bibimbap from Lalo. They combine two of my favorites: Korean and Mexican
–Tim David, Cincy Fear

E&O Kale and Brussel Sprouts
–Susan Fisher, America’s River Roots Festival

Technically this was last year, but on New Years Eve I had the best fresh oysters of my life at Mita’s. Life changing. Spectacular. No notes.
– Shae Huth, Game Day Communicdations

I just moved to OTR and one of my favorite places to have a nice dinner is Via Vite. I love anything that’s based on their homemade pasta! Plus, they're on our new ArtsWave App with a great offer for foccacia or prosciutto service.
–Alecia Kintner, ArtsWave

The 101-Layer Lasagna at Carmelo’s in Covington. While a late year new restaurant addition to Covington, the lasagna is amazing – a full pound of pasta, meat and cheese goodness.
–Julie Kirkpatrick, meeNKY

Lemon Pasta at Pepp and Dolores
–Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera

Taste on Elm’s incredible charcuterie tray!
– Kathrine Nero, Game Day Communications

Somm Wine Bar is such a gem in the heart of the Incline District. The salmon entree – and their halibut when you can get it – is absolutely incredible!
– Krista Katona Pille, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Beef Wellington at Boca
– Tasha Pinelo, Tasha Pinelo Photography

I am still thinking about the Moroccan Roasted Eggplant at The Davidson.
– Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications

The best meal I had this year was at MRBL in Newport. Sushi, steak, and baked mac accompanied by amazing views of the city!
–Courtney Tomasetti, Game Day Communications

I fell in love with the Medjool Dates and Cabra Al Vino Cheese at Safi Wine Bar in Over-the-Rhine. It’s simple – fruit and cheese! – but a perfect combo of salty and sweet.
– Tricia Suit, Cincinnati People

I love to eat out. Whether it was upscale bar food at HighGrain, pork chops at El Coyote, salad at Dewey’s or a steak at Walt’s Hitching Post, I loved them all!
– Jayne Utter, Summerfair Cincinnati

Butternut squash pizza at the Companion Pizza pop-up because of the complexity of flavors.
–Christina Vassallo, Contemporary Arts Center

A Lot on Your Plate

Talking turkey